The 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Is a True Race Car

In many ways, the Porsche 997 GT3 RS is a car born of nostalgia. Released stateside in the spring of 2007, this version of the 911 GT3 RS harkened back to the RS models of the 1970s. The pride of those race cars is echoed in the typeface used in the 997’s badges and graphics. It leaves a blurred streak across your vision as the car passes, decked in the original high-visibility colors: tree frog green or special orange.

As much as Porsche’s engineers thought those cars from the 70s were worth honoring, we think it’s worth our time to look back and remember the 997 GT3 RS too.

The 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Was Born a Race Car

RS stands for rennsport, or racing sport, so the car’s true nature is right there in its name. Porsche unleashed the 911 GT3 RS upon the roads as a matter of homologation. Certain racing series feature production-based cars that must meet predetermined guidelines. Often those guidelines include a minimum level of public sales so the car’s manufacturer can prove the car wasn’t designed specifically to gain advantage in a particular race.

That’s why the world was lucky enough to get the 911 GT3 RS, although it was a fortunate few who were able to take a 997 to the track. Fewer than 2,000 of this model were built, and only 413 were for sale in the US. If you ever see a 997 GT3 RS, you know you’ve seen something special.

Take it to the Track: Where a 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Belongs

As a practical test back in 2007, the folks of popular TV show Fifth Gear decided to do a fast lap with a GT3 RS. For a pace car, they used that car’s racing equivalent: the 911 GT3 Cup Car.

Although the GT3 RS is generally not as powerful as the 911 Turbo, it more than makes up for any horsepower deficit thanks to its power-to-weight ratio. You only have to look inside to understand. Everything is stripped down, and a rollover cage is clearly visible. The rear windshield is made of plastic, and of course there’s the massive rear wing along with the advanced aero kit.

Raw performance like this doesn’t come without some sacrifice, and the 911 GT3 RS pays with some of the comfort features you would normally associate with a Porsche. Notably, insulation against noise, vibration, and harshness takes a big step back, and with a low ground clearance and stiff suspension, you’re going to feel every bump in the road. It’s a wonder this car still has air conditioning.

Even though it abides by all the necessary regulations to be a street legal car, the 911 GT3 RS clearly belongs on the track.

You Can Be Proud of a New Porsche Too

Cars like the 2007 911 GT3 RS seem to come once in a generation, but the truth is every Porsche is worth remembering. No other manufacturer consistently surpasses their own standards of excellence in engineering, design, and execution.

At the Porsche Auto Gallery Woodland Hills, it’s our pleasure to stock a full inventory of new Porsche models, as well as a generous collection of Porsche Pre-Owned vehicles. Come take a stroll through our showroom, or see for yourself what we have on the lot. If you get in touch with us we can arrange a test drive, and then you’ll have an experience to remember and a brand new aspiration.